Fruccola opened its third location in MOM Park, realized according to the designs of Dóra Fónagy. The sustainable, eco-friendly communal space expresses the owners’ philosophy through the language of interior design. By Zsuzsanna Molnár.
The fresh, youthful fast-casual restaurant Fruccola has gained such popularity that it was able to open a third location this year; in addition to the Arany János Street and Kristóf Square units, it now welcomes guests at MOM Park who are seeking dishes made from high-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s success stems from several factors. It is undeniable that, in today’s so-called gastronomic revolution, there is a place for a restaurant that goes beyond the classic operational model of dining establishments: Fruccola is a sustainable, eco-friendly communal space. This, however, is not the result of following trends. Every element of the restaurant reflects the worldview and social responsibility of the owner couple, Petra Saás and Tausz. This philosophy is evident not only in the quality of the food but also in the employment practices – including the hiring of people with disabilities and those in disadvantaged social situations. Naturally, the design of the space also reflects this mindset, offering visitors a sense of what responsible, healthy dining means.
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Fruccola – Interior Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
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Fruccola – Interior Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
Following the first two locations, the third Fruccola at MOM Park took the network in a slightly different direction: architect-designer Dóra Fónagy’s work brought nature and gastronomy together in this large-scale venue. Although located within a shopping center, the restaurant can be accessed from the street, via Lisbon Promenade. This allows the restaurant to benefit from the advantages of the building while operating independently.
Thanks to the street connection, the restaurant features its own terrace, directly linked to the surrounding environment. The terrace is surrounded by plants, giving the space intimacy. The street-facing side of the restaurant is defined by large glass walls, creating a connection between indoors and outdoors. This architectural solution ensures that the surrounding urban greenery is visible inside, extending the life of nature within the interior. One tool for this is a large mirror on one wall, which reflects the outdoor greenery. This visual play not only expands the perceived space but also brings nature inside. Additionally, portions of the large glass surfaces are coated with green and yellow film, filtering sunlight in a way reminiscent of rays passing through leaves, introducing natural dynamism into the space. Real plants are also present, suspended from the ceiling above the tables. Alongside this interaction with nature, the design reflects the colorfulness and freshness of Fruccola’s offerings, particularly its vegetables. The central feature of the space is the service counter, where customers can assemble their own plates, creating a colorful display of vegetables that also serves as a design element. The spatial organization reflects the variety of produce.
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Fruccola – Interior Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
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Fruccola – Interior Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
Another important aspect defining the restaurant’s design is its aim to appeal to a wide audience: young professionals, families with small children, and older generations alike. This requires an interior in which everyone can feel at home. To achieve this, the space is divided into two sections. The entrance leads to a lively area, practical for guests who want a quick, yet refined dining experience, or those who enjoy a more vibrant atmosphere. This section has a lounge-like feel, with seating at long communal tables or the bar counter.
The rear area, slightly elevated on a platform, offers a quieter, more peaceful environment. The designer created a sheltered, picnic-like space here, ideal for families with small children or guests who want to linger. A play corner for children is included, and for those who have time, fresh monthly newspapers and art magazines are available on a dedicated bookshelf. The atmosphere is further defined by the lemon-yellow linoleum flooring and the colorful, varied yet harmonious chairs, giving the impression of a space sprinkled with vibrant vegetables – echoing the vegetable stand in the first location.
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Fruccola – Interior Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
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Fruccola – Interior Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
The two levels are connected visually and functionally: exposed mechanical systems run along the ceiling, and the chairs and tables are adjusted to a consistent height. The elevated rear section features standard 75 cm tables, while the lounge area has taller tables reaching 90 cm. This ensures that guests seated on the platform are not physically higher than those in the lower section, maintaining comfort and balance. Accessibility between the two areas is facilitated by a ramp, which visually dialogues with the industrial style of the exposed mechanical systems.
The interior design of Fruccola at MOM Park articulates the owners’ philosophy through design language. The professional commitment visible throughout both the food and the space provides a strong foundation for Fruccola’s success. Just as the quality of the dishes and the attentiveness of the staff reflect the values of Saás and Tausz, the design by Fónagy significantly contributes to making these principles visible.
By Zsuzsanna Molnár